Benicia can best be characterized by the parts it is composed of. Within its city limits, Benicia has a host of nautical culture and influence centered at the Marina and the waterfront. In addition and contrast to this beach feeling, Benicia is home to rolling grassy hills with grazing cattle, a taste of the country […]

Anybody who has walked down First Street has definitely seen the decorative lights wrapped around the trees giving off an illuminating glow. What may not be common knowledge is that these lights were brought by the Downtown Benicia Alliance (DBA) in 2012 as part of the Business Improvement District (BID) program. The goal of the […]

It began with two friends in a coffee shop. Jack Kemper and John Martin would meet with one another, order a cup of joe and discuss everything under the sun. One day, Kemper told Martin he would be retiring from his contracting business, Jack Kemper Painting, and he wanted Martin to take over. Martin was […]

The building this business rests in was originally built in the 1880s, making it one of the oldest pieces of history we have on First Street. At its base however, there is a very clear clash with some modern looking black tile which was installed in the 1950s. It is only fitting then that Pocket […]

Babies: they laugh, cry, brighten our world, keep us up at night and are our future. Parents always want the best for their kids and for them to excel in whatever they choose to do in life. Justine Chadly, founder and owner of In Harmony music, is a mother who had– and certainly still has– […]

At the end of the month, Benicia will have to say goodbye to one of its local businesses. After operating for six years, Charlie’s Attic on First Street will be closing. Named after owner John Sigler’s dog Charlie, who he calls a life companion, the antique store tried to simulate the feeling of walking into […]

Enter a space. Imagine colorful, soft pastel yellow and lilac walls with a large painted crescent moon adorning the wall across from you, welcoming you into this space. The walls are covered with shelves holding countless paints, brushes and pieces waiting to be chosen and given color by customers. These are among the wonderful things […]

Unique. That’s the sense one gets when walking into Literatus Design, a new women’s clothing store in downtown Benicia. Located at 374 First St., Literatus Design is owned by Jazmin Literatus. Literatus was born in the Philippines and came to America at the age of 7 She self taught herself in fashion design and began […]

For the Benicia-based entertainment company My Once Upon a Time, fantasy is reality. Characters who have long been relegated to fiction will come alive through their work. My Once Upon a Time specializes in bringing together actors to portray beloved characters for events like birthday parties, weddings, baby showers, baptisms, charity events and more. These […]

Well, it certainly has been a while since the Business Beat graced the pages of the Benicia Herald. A lot has happened in the world of Benicia businesses since then, so bear with us as we try to bring you up to speed. A taste of Burma comes to Benicia One can not deny the […]